King Devil Plant Care
Hieracium spathulatum Scheele
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive feature is its spathulate leaves, which are broad and rounded at the tip. Originating from Europe, Hieracium spathulatum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to add a pop of green to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for King Devil?
Water King Devil every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the King Devil Native To?
What Is the King Devil?
King Devil (Hieracium spathulatum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Hieracium genus. King Devil is native to Spain. King Devil is also known as Spatulate Hawkweed.
King Devil displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. King Devil produces small yellow clustered flowers in flat-topped clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a King Devil?
Hieracium spathulatum requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the King Devil Need?
King Devil thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the King Devil Prefer?
Hieracium spathulatum grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. King Devil prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a King Devil?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for King Devil to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a King Devil?
Feed King Devil every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a King Devil?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a King Devil?
King Devil can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white-flowered hawkweed plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the King Devil Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list King Devil, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the King Devil?
King Devil is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leaf miners. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
King Devil is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Hieracium genus — compare its care with other Hieracium species on PlantoScan.
Hieracium is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
King Devil thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Hieracium Species
Other Hieracium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hieracium spathulatum Scheele, family Asteraceae (first published in Linnaea 32: 666 (1864)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list King Devil, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
King Devil Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species